Summer Applications are DUE APRIL 1, 2021. Turn in Applications to Tribal Security at the front doors of the Tribal Offices.

JOM Applications may be turned into security at the front doors as well for graduation reimbursement.

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Assistance is for households experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19

SANTA FE – The state of New Mexico will grant approximately $170M of federal aid to New Mexicans for rental and utility assistance to households experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) will administer the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in partnership with the City of Albuquerque. New Mexicans can apply for assistance at www.RentHelpNM.org beginning April 5, 2021.

“New Mexicans have persevered through incredible challenges this last year,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “My administration has stepped up not only to fight the health effects of the pandemic but to assist businesses and individuals at every single opportunity – and this program is more of the same, as we put the dollars at our disposal to the best possible use: helping New Mexicans.”

“We know many New Mexicans require a variety of aid as a result of the pandemic, and as we acquire more funds, we will get the money out the door as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Finance and Administration Secretary Debbie Romero. “Our team has been working diligently on building this program from conception to launch.”

“Identifying New Mexicans in need of rental and utility assistance will take a collaborative effort, so in addition to our efforts, we hope to collaborate with nonprofits and other entities for community outreach, said Donnie Quintana, Local Government Division Director, and ERAP lead.

“This funding is an important extension of the safety net we have been providing for Albuquerque residents throughout the pandemic.” Said Mayor Tim Keller. “By teaming up with the state and local partners, we can streamline the application process and quickly get money to those in our community who need it to stay housed.”

Renters across the state are eligible for the program — except for residents of Bernalillo County, Dona Ana County, and those who live in a pueblo or tribal area. Those two counties, as well as tribal governments, will administer their own Rental Assistance Programs. Those seeking assistance should review the current FAQ at www.RentHelpNM.org to learn more about eligibility and documentation needed for their application.

The state of New Mexico will either pay the landlord and/or the utility provider directly depending on the financial assistance request by the applicant. Landlords and utility providers are encouraged to download a W9 and submit it to DFA via ERAVendor.Relations@state.nm.us as soon as possible to ensure a streamlined process for receiving payment. 

For more information visit www.RentHelpNM.org or see attached FAQ to this press release.

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SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday afternoon received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine alongside community members at a Department of Health vaccination site at Desert Sage Academy in Santa Fe.

The New Mexico Department of Health last week announced it was expanding vaccine eligibility to phases 1B and 1C of the state’s prioritization criteria. As supply from the federal government increases, the state is able to expand eligibility and reach more New Mexicans who have registered and are awaiting a vaccine.

As of Thursday New Mexico had administered almost 1.1 million total doses and remains among the nation’s leaders in per-capita vaccine distribution. Forty percent of New Mexicans as of Thursday had received at least one shot, and 24.2 percent were fully vaccinated.

Gov. Lujan Grisham, 61, joins the now 49 percent of New Mexicans aged 60 to 74 who have already received at least one shot from the state, according to Department of Health data as of March 25.

Pool photography for news media, courtesy of the Albuquerque Journal and to be credited to photographer Eddie Moore, will be available at this link.

The governor issued the following statement:

“I know many elected leaders, including governors, have gotten their shots before now, but it was important to me to wait until it was my turn in the priority list – just like we have asked so many New Mexicans to wait their turn, and to be patient, to trust the process is moving as quickly as it can, and to keep wearing our masks and physically distancing to protect each other and our families.

“I don’t like needles, so I’ll be honest with New Mexicans and say that I was a little nervous. But it means I get to see my mom sooner. It means I’m doing my part to help end the pandemic. And it means I’m doing my part to help protect New Mexico. So, despite that fear, getting my shot today was an absolute no-brainer.

“The entire experience was well-organized, professional, quick and painless, and I will continue to enthusiastically encourage New Mexicans to register with the Department of Health and step up to get their shot when it’s their turn for an appointment. Day by day, shot by shot, we are, all together, moving closer to the end of this awful pandemic.

“I want all New Mexicans to know that the Department of Health is getting shots into arms just as efficiently as we receive them from the federal administration – more efficiently than any state in the country. I couldn’t be prouder to lead a state government that is setting an example for the entire nation for safe, equitable and rapid COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

“Just as our health officials have asked all New Mexicans to do, I will keep wearing my mask and I will keep up the physical distancing to protect myself, my family and my neighbors. It’s the most important thing each of us can do to maintain the incredible progress we’ve made as a state in suppressing the virus.

“I firmly believe New Mexico can be the first state in the nation to vaccinate every eligible adult. For that to happen, we need all New Mexicans to be patient and be ready to step up when it’s their turn, and I was humbled to have the chance to do that this afternoon.”

The governor received the Pfizer shot. Like any New Mexican taking part in a Department of Health vaccine clinic, she did not choose which shot she received. The governor encourages New Mexicans to follow the guidance of health officials who advise that residents should take whichever COVID-19 shot is offered to them.

• New Mexicans can register to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at vaccineNM.org and learn more about the New Mexico Department of Health vaccine distribution efforts here.
• The New Mexico Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine dashboard is accessible here.

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As of March 23, 2021:

*Includes testing by IHS & NMDOH

**New cases: 2 (since 3-10-21) (average of 0.15 cases/day)

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NM Notify Phone App Launches in New Mexico

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health on Tuesday announced the launch of an Exposure Notification System. When activated on a Smart Phone, the app alerts individuals when they have been exposed to someone who has verified that they are infected with COVID-19.

 “This is a powerful tool in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19. We strongly encourage the public to activate the NM Notify app on your iPhone or Android phone,” said NMDOH Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins. “In combination with vaccination, testing, and continued COVID-safe practices, this app will help us contain COVID-19 and protect New Mexicans.”

The app was designed in a first-of-its-kind partnership between Google and Apple. Once downloaded, the app uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with other phones that have activated the app. Then, if one of the users verifies an infection of COVID-19, all users that have been in contact with the infected person within a 14-day period will receive a notification of possible exposure. The app then directs users on next steps to prevent additional spread of COVID-19.

The NM Notify app is completely safe and anonymous, and fully protects users’ privacy. No personal data is collected through the app. The app is in wide use in many states and around the globe. According to Google and Apple data, every two downloads of the app can prevent one infection. To learn more about the NM Notify Exposure Notification app, go to NMNotify.com. 

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Improving public health conditions in most New Mexico counties have allowed for expanded capacity at Motor Vehicle Division field offices, many of which now have next-day appointment availability.

All services that cannot be completed online are available at most offices. Road tests, however, can be conducted only in “green” or “turquoise” counties.

Appointments are still required and can be made at mvdonline.com using the MVD Direct scheduler. Customers will find a link to the scheduling tool near the top of the home page.

“We want to make sure people know that we’re in a much better position to serve them now.  Public health is still a top priority in our offices, but we do have much more availability than we did just a month ago,” said New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke.

The new MVD Direct scheduler allows customers to check in by text message from their cars when they arrive for their appointments. They’ll then receive a text notification when their number is called.

The number of people allowed in MVD lobbies will continue to be limited. With the exception of counties designated as ‘red’, customers will no longer be screened at the entrances, but they will agree when making their appointments not to show up if they are exhibiting any symptoms related to COVID-19.

Throughout the pandemic, MVD has worked to move more of its services online to meet customer demand while ensuring COVID-19 safety. About 3,200 transactions per month that used to require in-person service are currently being completed outside of MVD offices due to innovations made by MVD throughout the pandemic.

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March is recognized as “National Women’s History Month”.  The Mescalero Violence Against Women Program (VAW) joins in this recognition, by acknowledging Congress Women Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids.  These women, alongside other prestigious women lobbied in Washington DC for policy change to create programs such as our local VAW Program, which stems from what is known as the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA).  Deborah Parker, a member of the Tulalip/Yaqui tribe also supported the policy change.

The VAWA Act, which was a United States federal law, helped to create programs at the local/tribal level in Indian communities.  These programs were designed to assist victims of domestic violence; as a response program in getting victims (and their children) to safety.

In acknowledgement for the efforts of our Indigenous Women, the VAW staff displayed posters throughout the community admiring the varied accomplishments of these women.  Some include those who overcame challenges to make positive changes within the United States Government.  The same applied locally.  Experiencing domestic violence and becoming a survivor of domestic violence is a challenge.  Earning a degree, getting a job, maintaining a home, are also challenges.  Women today, are fighters.  We applaud all women, particularly in our local community, for their strength and endurance.  

Thank you VAW for reminding us that all women are strong!

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